In partnership with UVA’s Division for Community Engagement and Equal Opportunity, the United Way of Greater Charlottesville is pleased to announce the FY27 Community Excellence Awards and Cohort.
These funds will support non-profit human service organizations in Planning District Ten as they strengthen their organization through a strategic plan framework planning process centered on core values, service, and collaboration in order to drive excellence within their organization and community. Please submit your application by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
We will be hosting a virtual info session on Tuesday, October 8 from 3-4pm. Click here to join! (No prior registration required.)
What the Opportunity Includes:
Three organizations will be selected to receive a $5,000 award to help offset staff time. Participating organizations will:
- Participate in six 1.5-hour cohort sessions.
- Engage in an organizational self-study with staff and stakeholder input.
- Develop a collaborative organizational action plan from November 2026 through April 2027.
- Receive technical assistance at no cost from UVA staff.
- Present their planning journey or completed plan to community partners in April.
Eligibility:
Organizations must be:
- A 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing human services and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
- Located in Planning District Ten: Albemarle, Charlottesville, Nelson, Fluvanna, Greene, or Louisa.
- In operation for at least 12 months.
- Able to participate in the required sessions and final presentation, with a minimum of two participants at each session.
The awarded funds are intended to offset the staff time necessary to engage in development and undertake strategic organizational action planning efforts. Awardees will not be required to report on how the funds are expended.
Questions regarding this opportunity may be directed to Markiana Smith at msmith@unitedwaycville.org. We will also be hosting an open virtual information session on Tuesday, October 7 from 3-4PM for those interested in learning more.
We encourage eligible organizations to join the information session and consider applying for this opportunity to strengthen their planning practices and build a collaborative action plan for the future!